SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE Sustainability Policy< Our Mission >SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE, as a tour operator, accommodation provider and travel agency,
contributes to sustainable tourism and the development of a sustainable society through its
business.
We base all our actions on our sustainability policy, collaborate with all our stakeholders anddo our best to enhance a sustainable society.
We aim to positively impact the areas where we offer our tours, facilitating and encouraging
the continuation of their unique culture and biodiversity through introducing these to ourguests. We believe our actions enhance the attractiveness of these areas to both visitors andresidents.

< Sustainability Policy>
SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE (henceforth referred to as SE) will act in a sustainable mannerin accordance with the following ten principles, which are in line with international
standards set by Travelife.

1. Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance
1.1

We will appoint an employee to be responsible for the work of the sustainability
coordinator and define his or her role and activities.

1.2

We will publish a sustainability mission statement for customers, partners andsuppliers.

1.3

A qualified staff member who has successfully completed the international
accreditation body's basic sustainability training and examination will undertakethe role of sustainability coordinator and lead internal and external initiatives topromote sustainable activities in the company.

1.4

We will collaborate with, and are actively involved in, external forums andworking groups supporting sustainability in tourism.

1.5

We will contribute to the tourism industry's sustainability by sharing theexperiences gained and practices adopted in SE with stakeholders and operatorsin other regions.

1.6

We will support the sustainability efforts of nature conservation and community
development organisations.

1.7

Wherever possible, we will work with travel agents and other partners who havesustainability accreditation and/or are committed to sustainability. Key suppliersin the region may not be certified but we will still work with companies orindividuals that deal in local products, preserve local traditions and culture, or
support local employment.

1.8

We will work to the standards of international accreditation bodies.

1.9

We will have a sustainability policy which aims to reduce any negative social,
cultural, economic and environmental impacts resulting from our businessactivities. We will also ensure our staff's health, safety, and well-being.

1.10 Our sustainability policy will be published on our website for all staff, suppliers
and the general public to view.
1.11 To maintain and improve the sustainability of our company, we will develop
specific action plans to manage our goals, activities, methods, responsibilities andtime commitment.
1.12 We will ensure that all staff understand and engage with our sustainability policyin order to continuously improve our sustainability performance.
1.13 We will regularly evaluate and share our progress in achieving objectives andtargets related to our sustainability policy, including publishing numerical datasuch as electricity consumption and waste levels, to help us make improvements.
1.14 We will provide our staff with up-to-date information on our sustainability
policies, initiatives, results and related information to improve our business.
1.15 We will report our progress on sustainability to the international accreditationbody every two years. We will document our key sustainability achievements andpublish them via our website every two years.

2. Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights

2.1

In accordance with the "Trade Union Law", we will allow our staff the freedom tojoin trade unions and bargain collectively.

2.2

N/A

2.3

Staff members will be free to terminate their employment and contract with aminimum notice period of one month and without penalty, in accordance with
their employment contract.

2.4

We will document our personnel policies clearly and make decisions fairly andopenly.

2.5

We will enter into employment contracts with all staff, including details regarding
working conditions and division of labour.

2.6

We will pay our staff a living wage equal to or higher than the legal minimum
wage.

2.7

We will pay for overtime at a reasonable rate or allow the excess time to be madeup by working reduced hours at other times.

2.8

Staff will have a social insurance contract in accordance with the law.

2.9

We will have workers' compensation insurance to protect our staff in the event ofaccidents at work.

2.10 All staff members will be entitled to annual leave with pay in accordance withnational law.
2.11 Staff will be entitled to paid sick leave in accordance with national legislation.
2.12 We will have a health, safety and risk management policy for our staff. In theevent of an accident or issue, we will investigate and take corrective action. Tour
guides will be trained in first aid and carry first aid equipment during tours todeal with accidents appropriately.
2.13 We will not discriminate based on district of residence, gender, race, age,disability, religion/belief or sexual orientation in recruitment, terms andconditions of employment, training opportunities or promotion.
2.14 In compliance with the Labour Standards Act, we will not allow children who
have not reached the national minimum working age to work.
2.15 We will have a documented procedure for staff to raise complaints about work.
We will investigate complaints from staff appropriately and immediately.

2.16 We will provide a way for staff to approach senior management regarding key
employment issues, with a clear process in place for following up any such
representations.
2.17 The rules and procedures relating to disciplinary matters will be clearly set out
and provided to staff.
2.18 We will employ people with special needs, such as physical disabilities. (Planned
after recovery from business reduction due to the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic).
2.19 We will measure staff satisfaction regularly and reflect the feedback in our
corporate management.
2.20 Regular training will be provided to staff on their roles, rights and responsibilities
regarding social, cultural, economic, quality, human rights and health and safety
practices, including risk management.
2.21 We will provide equal opportunities and funding for staff to receive regulartraining, learn about our work, and gain experience within the organisation todevelop and progress.
2.22 We will welcome interns, both local and international, to our company.

3. Internal Management: Environment and Community Relations
3.1

We will monitor and actively reduce our use of disposable consumables.

3.2

We will purchase and adopt sustainable goods and services wherever available
and quality assured. We will also endeavour to buy locally whenever possible.

3.3

Paper for internal use will be recycled paper, either FSC or PEFC certified, orsimilarly sustainable products.

3.4

The copier will be set by default to use lined paper for single-sided printing to
reduce paper use; when printing two or more sheets, the copier will generally
print on both sides.

3.5

At least 50% of the coffee and tea served to guests and used in the office will be
Fairtrade products or organically grown in Japan.

3.6

As far as possible, detergents will be non-toxic, non-eutrophic, biodegradable andeco-labelled.

3.7

We will order printed materials such as brochures and business cards fromprinters who use environmentally-friendly paper, inks and fonts, and who operate
sustainably.

3.8

In principle, we will abolish the issuance of paper advertising media andencourage communication through electronic media, such as SNS advertisements
and electronic data. Should paper materials be necessary, the minimum numberof copies will be printed, using environmentally friendly paper (e.g. recycled or
FSC certified paper).

3.9

To reduce brochure waste, we will use PDFs when providing our productinformation to travel agents and social networking sites for general guests, toattract visitors without relying on paper handouts. In addition, when we have no
choice but to publish paper advertisements, their distribution will be measured,
and we will carefully select where they are distributed in order to minimise thenumber of publications.

3.10 We will monitor electricity use monthly in order to understand our company’s
electricity consumption patterns and thus inform the evolution of our reduction
policy; we will take continuous actions for ongoing reduction of our electricity
consumption.
3.11 We will monitor our heating fuel and electricity consumption, measuring CO2
emissions and comparing these across different periods, with the aim of reducing
such emissions.
3.12 We will contribute to developing sustainable energy supplies by signing contracts
with electricity companies with zero CO2 emissions as far as possible.
3.13 We will strive to offset CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels within thecompany.
3.14 We will use energy-efficient lighting in the company, for example through the useof LEDs.
3.15 We will ensure that any equipment not being used is switched off.
3.16 Out of business hours, we will switch off lighting unless necessary. We will also
install automatic switching systems using motion sensors in various areas of thepremises to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

3.17 When purchasing new equipment, we will buy equipment with high energy
efficiency performance as far as possible, taking into account cost-effectivenessand quality.
3.18 Appliances with an energy-saving mode, such as air conditioners, will actively use
the energy-saving mode. For appliances without such a mode, we will strive tooperate these with the minimum energy consumption, to achieve the sameoutcome as those with energy-saving settings.
3.19 We will implement a policy to reduce our water consumption through monthly
monitoring and reduction measures. Our area is one of low water risk.
3.20 We will monitor water consumption monthly to manage usage and check forpotential leaks, aiming to continuously reduce water usage throughunderstanding water use patterns within the company.
3.21 Water-saving toilets have been installed in our facilities.
3.22 We will dispose of waste properly, complying with legislation and following the
local rules.
3.23 We have developed and implemented a policy to reduce the volume of waste andpromote recycling. We will measure the amount of both burnable and recyclable
waste we generate, and work to reduce the total amount. Food waste will becomposted and turned into fertiliser for use in agriculture.
3.24 We will reduce the amount of packaging materials we use. We will avoid using
non-recyclable packaging materials.
3.25 Purified water dispensers have been installed and will be freely available for both
visitors and staff to reduce the use of plastic bottles. We have also registered withmymizu (a water refill app) as a place where free water is available.
3.26 We will ensure that recyclable waste (e.g. paper, plastic, plastic bottles, cans,bottles and batteries) is separated and recycled according to local rules.
3.27 We will promote a paperless office and the reduction of paper and ink usage by
avoiding unnecessary printing.
3.28 We will strive to reduce the use of disposable batteries through maximising theuse of rechargeable batteries. Used batteries will be collected for recycling at the
local recycling centre.
3.29 The local wastewater treatment system treats wastewater appropriately.

3.30 We will minimise the use of harmful substances such as pesticides and cleaning
detergents. Any used will be treated and disposed of appropriately.
3.31 The staff will follow a travel policy that encourages sustainable transport options.
3.32 We will record staff business trips, including means and distance, to calculate
carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emission, and use the data in formulating
reduction and offsetting policy.
3.33 Carbon and greenhouse gas emissions from business travel will be offset using
nationally available and reliable methods. (To be implemented after business
reduction due to the spread of coronavirus infection is lifted).
3.34 We will encourage and provide incentives for our staff to use sustainable travel
options, such as public transport, walking or cycling. (To be implemented after
recovery from business reduction due to the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic).
3.35 We will encourage teleworking and video conferencing to reduce CO2 emissions
from unnecessary travel.
3.36 Regular staff workshops on environmental issues will be held in order to improvestaff knowledge and awareness of environmental sustainability. (To be
implemented after recovery from business reduction due to the impact of thecoronavirus pandemic).
3.37 We will comply with national legislation and local building regulation
requirements when constructing, designing, refurbishing and demolishingbuildings. We will also use locally appropriate, feasible, and sustainable methods
and materials when designing and building new buildings or carrying out
renovations.

4. Partner Agencies
As a local activity operator, this does not currently apply to us.

5. Transport

5.1

We will encourage the use of the most sustainable means of transportation
possible when staff and guests need to travel to tour locations.

5.2

We will provide information regarding sustainable transportation to and frommajor airports on our website in order to recommend the most sustainable means
to our customers in the near future.

5.3

When arranging intra-community transport, we will adopt or recommend to ourcustomers the most sustainable transport option, considering price and comfort.

5.4

N/A

6. Accommodation
6.1

Our accommodation facility, SATOYAMA STAY, was built using locallyavailable techniques and materials, and we are working on sustainability in all ourservices. In addition, whenever we recommend other accommodation to ourcustomers, we will endeavour to introduce facilities which contribute to local
sustainability.

6.2

N.A

6.3

We recommend SATOYAMA STAY, a directly managed accommodation facility
that shares our sustainability policy. We will also undertake efforts to acquirecertification relevant to sustainable accommodation facilities.

6.4

N.A

6.5

SATOYAMA STAY staff members will participate in local, national andinternational sustainability training and education programmes.

6.6

We will work with the Hida Tourism Association and Hida City government topromote the sustainability of SATOYAMA STAY.

6.7

N.A

6.8

In accordance with the Labour Standards Act, neither SATOYAMA STAY nor
any other accommodation provider that we use will allow children under 14 to
work.

6.9

SATOYAMA STAY is dedicated to preserving the townscape. Local arts andcrafts are displayed in the accommodation. When arranging other facilities forguests, such as accommodation and restaurants, we will choose buildings
designed in traditional Hida style, prioritising longstanding shops andrestaurants which serve locally sourced Hida food.

6.10 N/A
6.11 N/A

7. Excursions and Activities
7.1

The activities offered by SE are managed based on a sustainable excursion policy.
In addition, we will create a list of places at each tour location where cultural orenvironmental considerations exist, and share this list with all staff.

7.2

As in 7.1, we will operate activities based on our sustainable excursion policy inorder to provide more sustainable products.

7.3

Our general sustainability policy and sustainable excursion policy will be
published on the website and clearly communicated to all guides, including
partner guides.

7.4

Based on the list referred to in 7.1, for tours and activities which take place inareas requiring special consideration in terms of nature or culture, participants
will be provided with tour guidelines in order to minimise negative impacts andmaximise their enjoyment.

7.5

We aim to acquire Travelife certification, and will operate our tours and activities
in accordance with international standards.

7.6

We will not offer tours which have a negative impact on local people, animals,
plants or natural resources, or tours which are socially or culturally inappropriate.

7.7

We will not offer tours or activities that feature captive wildlife.

7.8

We will not capture, eat, display, buy or sell wildlife.

7.9

We will not provide tours or activities that involve any contact with wildlife. If weoffer activities in areas where wildlife lives, we will only use trails or roadways andmake maximum effort not to adversely affect animal behaviour and habitat,
except for unavoidable actions to preserve personal safety.

7.10 In culturally or ecologically sensitive areas, experienced guides who have been
trained by organisations such as the Chubu Mountain Guides Association,
Shirakawa-go Nature Guides Association and Goshikigahara Forest Guides
Association will be in charge.
7.11 We will actively support the local community during our tours by using local
goods and services, including traditional crafts, and restaurants which use local
ingredients.
7.12 For tours which take place in protected areas, such as national parks andprefectural parks, we will actively provide information to our guests about the
local environment on tours to raise awareness of local environmental protection.

8. Tour leaders, Local Representatives and Guides

8.1

All tour guides contracted by S.E. will have a written employment contract,
including working conditions and job descriptions. We will ensure that they
understand the terms and conditions of this contract.

8.2

In all employment contracts as tour guides contracted by SE, we guarantee they
will be paid a wage equal to or higher than the local statutory wage or industry
standard.

8.3

All tour guides will be suitably qualified and receive regular training.

8.4

All tour guides will understand and follow SE's sustainability policy.

8.5

All tour guides will receive basic training in tourism sustainability.

8.6

All tour guides will have an excellent knowledge of the region, including its
sustainability aspects.

8.7

All tour guides will inform guests about relevant sustainability issues; theseinclude the protection of flora and fauna and local cultural heritage, resource use,
local social norms, values and manners, such as the inappropriacy of tipping, andhuman rights.

8.8

All tour guides will be educated about the prevention of sexual exploitation ofchildren.

9. Destination
9.1

SE is based in the Hida region and provides activities essentially in the Hida area.
We will respect the environment, local people, communities and culture
according to our sustainability policy. Whenever we develop new products orcollaborate with partners, we will always consider the sustainability aspects of thedestination. We will not offer any products where tourism would harm the local
community.

9.2

We will provide activities using sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling
and walking, wherever possible. We will prioritise destinations to which travel by
public transportation is possible.

9.3

The tours offered by S.E. will be committed to supporting the local economy. We
believe that introducing visitors to sustainable products from local food producers
and traditional craft workers, using local ingredients and conventional local
techniques, will help to maintain and develop both the local economy and culture.

9.4

Our guides will only introduce products which have been produced and traded incompliance with national laws and international treaties, avoiding souvenirs
containing endangered flora and fauna, as well as illegal artefacts.

10. Customer Communication and Protection<Prior to booking>10.1 We will make our privacy policy publicly available on our website. We will ensurethat customer privacy is never compromised.
10.2 In our marketing and public relations messages, such as pamphlets, brochures,websites and social networking sites, we are committed to complying withnational laws and voluntary codes of conduct, providing only accurate
information and never promising more than what is offered.
10.3 We will provide accurate information about tour products and prices. To help
achieve this, we will send our sales-pack and price list to travel agents once a year
to ensure that they are accurately informed of product details and prices. If any
sudden changes are necessary, we will promptly update our website andcommunicate the changes to relevant partners.
10.4 We promise that the information provided about tourist destinations will be
accurate and fair, whether communicated to guests directly or via travel agentsthrough our website or in our sales-pack. Our website will also provide
information regarding the sustainability aspects of the destination.
10.5 The tours and activity products offered by Satoyama Experience are essentiallycycling, walking and snowshoeing. We will publicise the amount of CO2
emissions resulting from these activities in the near future.
10.6 We will provide sustainable transport options on our website for our customers'
travel within Japan. We will also encourage our guests to use these as much as
possible.
10.7 We will provide information on our website to recommend the most suitablemeans of transportation in terms of sustainability.
10.8 N/A
10.9 N/A

10.10 The theme of our tours is "Travelling through Life". We will introduce our guests
to the sustainable lifestyle of satoyama by visiting places where locals actually live.
Our Sustainable Excursion Policy will be openly available to the public on our
website.
10.11 When advising and arranging individual travel, we will provide information onsustainable alternatives for accommodation, excursions, package holidays andtransportation. (This information will become available on our website during2023).
10.12 N/A
<After booking and during trips>
10.13 Destination information about the natural environment and local culture andheritage will be provided to guests through our website and tours.
10.14 Our guides will inform guests about ways in which they can contribute tosustainability as tourists, for example by recycling waste, purchasing genuine
products or paying nature conservation fees.
10.15 To ensure the safety of our guests, we will provide information about suitable
clothing and what to bring. We will also make sure in advance of tours that guests
are in a healthy condition to participate, by asking them to complete a form
detailing any allergies or chronic illness that may affect tour operations or
personal safety. Furthermore, the same questions will be asked orally in person
immediately before the commencement of tours to double-check any healthconditions which may lead to a risk to personal safety. There is little risk from air,water, or food hygiene in the Hida region.
10.16 All tour guides will be required to carry lists with emergency contacts andprocedures at all times so they can deal with any accidents or other emergencies.
10.17 We will provide a local contact telephone number in our confirmation email, via
which guests can contact their guide on the day of their tour. All tour guides will
undergo regular training in how to handle emergencies and understand all
relevant procedures.
10.18 We will not condone commercial or sexual exploitation or harassment, especiallyof children or minors, under any circumstances.

10.19 We will endeavour to protect endangered species, significant historical or
religious artefacts and products which are illegal to trade by providing
information about these on our website. If we come across such illegal products
during tours, we will provide appropriate information about illegally tradedproducts and make efforts to deter customers from purchasing these items.
10.20 The restaurants featured on our tours will be local establishments. As far as
possible, we will also introduce those which actively serve local food using local
ingredients.
10.21 We will provide our guests with information on sustainable local transport options
and encourage them to use public transportation.
10.22 We will encourage our guests to donate to local charities and sustainable
initiatives. (Planned after recovery from business reduction due to the impact of
the coronavirus pandemic).
<After trips>
10.23 We will collect guest satisfaction data through questionnaires to help us improve
our services.
10.24 We will include sustainability aspects, for example how well we as a company treat
local people with respect and without discrimination, and how well waste is
managed, in the questionnaires we ask our guests to complete in order to improve
our services.
10.25 We will address customer complaints promptly and courteously in accordancewith our Complaints Procedure.